St. Louis-style toasted ravioli is a unique and beloved appetizer that can be found in many restaurants and bars throughout the city. It is made with wonton wrappers that are filled with a mixture of beef, pork, and ricotta cheese, then fried until golden brown. Toasted ravioli is typically served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
There are many reasons why toasted ravioli is so popular in St. Louis. First, it is a delicious and satisfying appetizer. The crispy wonton wrappers and flavorful filling make it a perfect way to start a meal. Second, toasted ravioli is a relatively inexpensive appetizer. This makes it a great option for large gatherings or parties. Third, toasted ravioli is a versatile appetizer. It can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara, Alfredo, or pesto.
The origins of toasted ravioli in St. Louis are somewhat murky. However, it is believed that the dish was first created by Italian immigrants in the late 19th century. These immigrants brought their own culinary traditions to St. Louis, and toasted ravioli is thought to be a combination of Italian and American cuisine.
Today, toasted ravioli is a staple of St. Louis cuisine. It is served in restaurants and bars of all types, and it is a popular dish at parties and gatherings. If you are ever in St. Louis, be sure to try toasted ravioli. It is a delicious and unique appetizer that you are sure to enjoy.
1. Crispy crust
A crispy crust is an essential component of the best toasted ravioli in St. Louis. The crispy crust provides a delicious contrast to the soft and flavorful filling. It also helps to keep the filling from becoming soggy. There are several factors that contribute to a crispy crust, including the type of oil used for frying, the temperature of the oil, and the amount of time the ravioli is fried.
- Oil type: The type of oil used for frying can have a significant impact on the crispiness of the crust. Oils with a high smoke point, such as canola oil or vegetable oil, are best for frying because they can withstand high temperatures without burning.
- Oil temperature: The temperature of the oil is also important for achieving a crispy crust. The oil should be hot enough to fry the ravioli quickly and evenly. If the oil is too cold, the ravioli will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Frying time: The amount of time the ravioli is fried will also affect the crispiness of the crust. The ravioli should be fried until it is golden brown and crispy. If the ravioli is fried for too long, it will become overcooked and tough.
By following these tips, you can achieve a crispy crust on your toasted ravioli that will make it irresistible.
2. Flavorful filling
The filling of toasted ravioli is one of the most important factors in determining its overall flavor. A well-seasoned filling will make the toasted ravioli more flavorful and enjoyable to eat. There are many different types of fillings that can be used for toasted ravioli, but some of the most common include beef, pork, and ricotta cheese.
- Beef: Beef is a classic filling for toasted ravioli. It is flavorful and relatively inexpensive, making it a good choice for large gatherings.
- Pork: Pork is another popular filling for toasted ravioli. It is slightly more expensive than beef, but it has a richer flavor.
- Ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese is a type of Italian cheese that is made from whey. It is a mild-flavored cheese that adds creaminess and richness to toasted ravioli.
In addition to the main filling, many toasted ravioli recipes also include other ingredients, such as vegetables, herbs, and spices. These ingredients can help to enhance the flavor of the filling and make it more complex. Some common additions to toasted ravioli filling include onions, garlic, bell peppers, mushrooms, parsley, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
The filling of toasted ravioli is one of the most important factors in determining its overall flavor. By using high-quality ingredients and seasoning the filling well, you can create toasted ravioli that is both delicious and satisfying.
3. Tangy sauce
The tangy sauce is an essential component of the best toasted ravioli in St. Louis. The sauce provides a flavorful contrast to the crispy crust and savory filling. It also helps to keep the toasted ravioli from becoming dry. There are several factors that contribute to a tangy sauce, including the type of tomatoes used, the acidity of the tomatoes, and the addition of herbs and spices.
- Type of tomatoes: The type of tomatoes used for the sauce can have a significant impact on its flavor. Roma tomatoes are a good choice for a tangy sauce because they are relatively acidic. San Marzano tomatoes are another good option because they have a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Acidity of the tomatoes: The acidity of the tomatoes is also important for achieving a tangy sauce. Tomatoes that are picked when they are ripe will have a higher acidity level than tomatoes that are picked when they are green. You can also add lemon juice or vinegar to the sauce to increase its acidity.
- Herbs and spices: Herbs and spices can be added to the sauce to enhance its flavor. Common herbs and spices used in marinara sauce include basil, oregano, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
By following these tips, you can create a tangy marinara sauce that will make your toasted ravioli even more delicious.
4. Generous portions
When it comes to toasted ravioli, St. Louisans know that bigger is better. Generous portions are a hallmark of the best toasted ravioli restaurants in the city. This is important because toasted ravioli is a relatively rich dish, and you will want to be able to enjoy a few pieces without feeling too full.
- It shows that the restaurant is confident in their product. When a restaurant serves generous portions, it shows that they are confident in the quality of their food. They know that their toasted ravioli is delicious, and they want you to be able to enjoy it without feeling like you are being cheated.
- It allows you to share with friends or family. Toasted ravioli is a great dish to share with friends or family. When you order a generous portion, you can be sure that there will be enough for everyone to enjoy.
- It gives you leftovers for later. If you are like most people, you probably love leftovers. When you order a generous portion of toasted ravioli, you will have plenty of leftovers to enjoy later. This is a great way to save money and time.
When you are looking for the best toasted ravioli in St. Louis, be sure to keep portion size in mind. The best restaurants will serve generous portions that will allow you to enjoy your meal without feeling too full.
5. Good value
When it comes to toasted ravioli, St. Louisans know that good value is just as important as delicious food. The best toasted ravioli restaurants in the city offer generous portions of high-quality toasted ravioli at a reasonable price. This means that you can enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
There are several reasons why good value is so important when it comes to toasted ravioli. First, toasted ravioli is a relatively rich dish. A generous portion of toasted ravioli can be filling, so you want to be sure that you are getting a good value for your money. Second, toasted ravioli is often served as an appetizer. If you are ordering toasted ravioli as an appetizer, you want to be sure that you are getting a good value so that you can save room for your main course. Third, toasted ravioli is a popular dish to share with friends or family. When you are sharing toasted ravioli, you want to be sure that you are getting a good value so that everyone can enjoy their meal.
If you are looking for the best toasted ravioli in St. Louis, be sure to keep good value in mind. The best restaurants will offer generous portions of high-quality toasted ravioli at a reasonable price.
Frequently Asked Questions about Toasted Ravioli in St. Louis
Toasted ravioli is a beloved St. Louis dish, and there are many questions surrounding it. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about toasted ravioli in St. Louis:
Question 1: What is toasted ravioli?
Answer: Toasted ravioli is a St. Louis specialty made with wonton wrappers that are filled with a mixture of beef, pork, and ricotta cheese, then fried until golden brown. It is typically served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Question 2: Where can I find the best toasted ravioli in St. Louis?
Answer: There are many great places to get toasted ravioli in St. Louis. Some of the most popular restaurants include Charlie Gitto’s, Rigazzi’s, and The Hill.
Question 3: What is the best way to eat toasted ravioli?
Answer: Toasted ravioli can be eaten with a fork or your fingers. If you are using a fork, be sure to pierce the ravioli gently so that the filling does not spill out. If you are eating toasted ravioli with your fingers, be careful not to burn yourself.
Question 4: Can I make toasted ravioli at home?
Answer: Yes, you can make toasted ravioli at home. There are many recipes available online. However, it is important to note that toasted ravioli is a labor-intensive dish. If you are short on time, you may want to consider ordering toasted ravioli from a restaurant.
Question 5: What are some of the variations on toasted ravioli?
Answer: There are many variations on toasted ravioli. Some common variations include using different types of cheese in the filling, such as mozzarella or provolone. Other variations include adding vegetables to the filling, such as spinach or mushrooms. You can also find toasted ravioli that is made with different types of pasta, such as egg noodles or fettuccine.
Question 6: Is toasted ravioli a healthy dish?
Answer: Toasted ravioli is not a particularly healthy dish. It is high in calories and fat. However, it can be made healthier by using whole-wheat wonton wrappers and lean ground beef. You can also add vegetables to the filling to increase the nutritional value.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about toasted ravioli in St. Louis. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.
Summary: Toasted ravioli is a delicious and unique St. Louis dish. It is made with wonton wrappers that are filled with a mixture of beef, pork, and ricotta cheese, then fried until golden brown. Toasted ravioli is typically served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
Next Article Section: If you are looking for the best toasted ravioli in St. Louis, be sure to check out some of the restaurants listed above. You can also find toasted ravioli at many other restaurants and bars throughout the city.
Tips for Finding the Best Toasted Ravioli in St. Louis
Toasted ravioli is a beloved St. Louis dish, and there are many great places to get it. However, not all toasted ravioli is created equal. Here are five tips for finding the best toasted ravioli in St. Louis:
Tip 1: Look for a crispy crust. The best toasted ravioli will have a crispy, golden brown crust. This is achieved by frying the ravioli until it is cooked through and the wrapper is slightly crispy.
Tip 2: Make sure the filling is flavorful. The filling of the toasted ravioli should be flavorful and well-seasoned. Common fillings include beef, pork, and ricotta cheese.
Tip 3: Get a tangy sauce. The toasted ravioli is typically served with a marinara sauce. The sauce should be tangy and flavorful, but not too spicy.
Tip 4: Order generous portions. The best toasted ravioli restaurants will serve generous portions. This is important because toasted ravioli is a relatively rich dish, and you will want to be able to enjoy a few pieces without feeling too full.
Tip 5: Look for good value. The best toasted ravioli restaurants will offer good value for your money. This means that you will get a delicious meal at a reasonable price.
Summary: By following these tips, you can find the best toasted ravioli in St. Louis. Be sure to look for a crispy crust, flavorful filling, tangy sauce, generous portions, and good value.
Next Article Section: Once you have found the best toasted ravioli in St. Louis, be sure to enjoy it with friends and family. This delicious dish is perfect for sharing.
Conclusion
The toasted ravioli is a unique and beloved St. Louis dish that can be found in many restaurants and bars throughout the city. It is made with wonton wrappers that are filled with a mixture of beef, pork, and ricotta cheese, then fried until golden brown. Toasted ravioli is typically served with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
There are many reasons why toasted ravioli is so popular in St. Louis. First, it is a delicious and satisfying appetizer. The crispy wonton wrappers and flavorful filling make it a perfect way to start a meal. Second, toasted ravioli is a relatively inexpensive appetizer. This makes it a great option for large gatherings or parties. Third, toasted ravioli is a versatile appetizer. It can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as marinara, Alfredo, or pesto.
If you are looking for the best toasted ravioli in St. Louis, be sure to keep these five key aspects in mind: crispy crust, flavorful filling, tangy sauce, generous portions, and good value.
By following these tips, you can find the best toasted ravioli in St. Louis. Be sure to enjoy it with friends and family. This delicious dish is perfect for sharing.
